Caffeinated Clint
Who’s doing what and with whom?
Some items just aren’t worth a whole creamy page to themselves… so lets open up a box and stuff a few in together.
Punisher Title
Superhero Hype have a nice little scoop on “The Punisher” sequel.
Says the site, “Superhero Hype! has learned that the working title for Lionsgate and Marvel Studios’ new Punisher film is The Punisher: Welcome Back Frank. Shooting is set to start in Montreal late September. To be directed by Lexi Alexander (Hooligans) and starring Ray Stevenson (HBO’s “Rome”) as Frank Castle/The Punisher, the action-thriller was written by Nick Santora, Kurt Sutter, Matt Holloway and Art Marcum. The film will be set in New York, where Frank Castle runs up against a mobster.”.
Voltron
The Mark Gordon Company has teamed with FOX to bring the 80s toon “Voltron” to the big screen. Producer Mark Gordon has been developing the pic, based on the popular 1980s Japanese animated TV series, comicbooks and toy line, for some time with Justin Marks penning the script, says Variety. Marks’ take is described as a post-apocalyptic tale of survival set in New York City and Mexico. In the animated series, five Galaxy Alliance pilots control vehicles shaped like lions that combine and form the massive sword-wielding Voltron robot in order to battle an evil menace.
The Incredible Hulk
A Bunch of set pics from the new “Hulk” redo – though nothing very special – are online at JustJared
Maintenance
McG (“Charlie’s Angels”) will produce – and possibly direct – a film based on Oni Press’ comicbook series “Maintenance,” says Variety. Joe Ballarini is adapting the project, which follows the exploits of two janitors who work at Terrormax Inc., the world’s leading manufacturer and supplier of weapons and doomsday devices to supervillains. As comicbook’s conceit goes, if they’re not too busy cleaning up toxic spills and performing menial repairs on time machines, they just might save the world. “Some of the films that made me want to become a director like ‘Back to the Future’ and ‘Raiders of the Lost Ark’ are based on action, comedy and ground-breaking special effects,” McG said. “It is my goal to make ‘Maintenance’ in the same tradition.”
Wonder Woman
Missy Peregrym (“Heroes”) tells Wizard that she wants to play the Amazonian Princess. “Actually, I’ve been pushing for that for so long because I know the guys who are trying to develop it and it’s been forever that they’ve been trying to get this script going.”
The Hole
Mark L.Smith (“Vacancy”) has sold his horror script “The Hole” to Bold Films. The story centers on two brothers who discover a mysterious hole in the basement that leads to their worst nightmares.
The Wackness
Ben Kingsley, Josh Peck, Famke Janssen, Mary-Kate Olsen, Olivia Thirlby and Method Man have been cast in Occupant Films comedy “The Wackness”, says Variety. Occupant partners Keith Calder, Felipe Marino and Joe Neurauter are producing. Jonathan Levine directs from his own script; lensing recently started in New York. Story, set in 1994, centers on a troubled teenage drug dealer and a drug-addled psychiatrist — after the former trades pot for therapy sessions, then falls for the doctor’s daughter.
Kids in the Hall”
The pilot for “The Kids in the Hall”, the one done for HBO, is coming out uncut on DVD. The first episode was the pilot, but it was cut down big time. This is the never before seen Hour version of it. The cast, headed by Dave Foley, are at their rawest and most innovative as they introduce timeless characters and sketches such as the Headcrusher, the romantically challenged Cabbage Head, and everyone’s favorite self-proclaimed “queen,” Buddy Cole. Packaged in specially designed and high-end lenticular packaging, the disc hits stores August 14th. More info here.
Awaken the Dragon
Warner Independent Pictures has set “The Shield” exec producer Kurt Sutter to write and make his feature directing debut on “Awaken the Dragon.” The noir-style remake of “Enter the Dragon,” the 1973 martial arts classic that made Bruce Lee a global star, will be produced by John Wells, Fred Weintraub and Paul Heller. Sutter said he’s writing “Awaken the Dragon” as a contemporized drama about a lone FBI agent who pursues a rogue Shaolin monk into the bloody world of underground martial arts fight clubs.
The Sophomore
Reece Thompson has landed the title role in the Yari Film Group’s dark comedy “The Sophomore” opposite Mischa Barton and Bruce Willis. Thompson — who can be seen today in Picturehouse’s “Rocket Science” — will play a bullied Catholic high school newspaper reporter who is persuaded to investigate the theft of SAT exams by the most popular student (Barton). But after he reveals that the school’s president and top jock are responsible, a more sinister conspiracy emerges.
Dancing with Shiva
Anne Hathaway will lead an ensemble cast in Jonathan Demme’s “Dancing With Shiva” for Sony Classics.
Bill Irwin, Anna Deveare Smith and Debra Winger will star in the comedy based on a screenplay by Jenny Lumet, Sidney’s daughter.
Demme will direct and produce with producing partner Neda Armian and Marc Platt. He will tackle it after he finishes work on “He Comes in Peace,” a docu about Jimmy Carter backed by Participant Prods.
Batman 3?
Milo Ventimiglia (“Rocky Balboa”) tells MTV that he’d be keen to play Robin – as ‘Nightwing’ – in a future “Batman” movie. According to the actor, they’ve (the makers of the previous “Batman” movies) never “done it right”.
Beneath the Mississippi
Michael Robert Nyman, star and associate producer of “Beneath The Mississippi”, , tells Moviehole that the movie is coming to The American Film Market in November of 2007. The film tells of a documentary filmmaker and her crew who fight the elements and try to cope with their fears as they seek to understand the strange mystery of a flooded island where hundreds have died. Lonnie Schuyler directs.
Mad Men
The fantastic new series “Mad Men” – the first two episodes are great – premieres on Australia’s Movie Network next week. Mad Men was developed by the network and created by Emmy Award-winning executive producer and writer of “The Sopranos” Matthew Weiner. Set in 1960 New York, the one hour drama received tremendous critical acclaim heading into its premiere, chronicling the lives of the ruthlessly competitive men and women of Madison Avenue advertising, an ego-driven world where key players make an art of the sell while their private world gets sold. Check the Movie Network site for air times and dates.
Hairspray Premiere
Zac Effron & Nikki Blonsky live in person ! Friday 7th September 6.00pm, Village Cinemas Jam Factory, Melbourne!
Come down to see them walk the red carpet at the Premiere of their new film, “Hairspray”!!
The Sydney Premiere will be held at the Greater Union Cinemas! Its on Wed September 5, with Arrivals from 6pm.
